₦airaland Forum

By Damilola Aina


Despite billions of naira spent yearly to cushion hardship, a new World Bank report says Nigeria’s social safety-net programmes are failing to reach those who need them the most.

In the new report titled “The State of Social Safety Nets in Nigeria”, obtained on Tuesday, the bank revealed that only 44 per cent of total benefits from government-funded safety-net schemes actually reach poor Nigerians.

The November 2025 report examines Nigeria’s spending on social safety nets, assessing their coverage and efficiency, and reveals how poor targeting, weak funding, and fragmented implementation have left millions of vulnerable citizens without meaningful relief despite the government’s lofty poverty-reduction promises.

Recently, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced that the federal government is targeting 15 million households, covering some 70 million people via the digital cash-grant scheme.

He disclosed that about 8.5 million households have already received at least one tranche of the N25,000 payment, while the remaining 6.5 million households are expected to be paid before year-end.

Despite this, the World Bank described Nigeria’s social safety-net spending as inefficient, saying a smaller portion of benefits goes to the poor despite their dominance among beneficiaries.

According to the bank, while about 56 per cent of the recipients of safety-net programmes are poor, they receive only 44 per cent of the total benefits. It explained that this imbalance stems from the way most programmes, including the National Social Safety Nets Programme, allocate a fixed amount per household rather than per person.

As a result, poor families, often larger in size, end up sharing limited benefits among more members. The report noted that initiatives such as the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which focus on individuals rather than households, are less affected by this problem.

However, it added that the school feeding scheme currently targets only pupils in grades one to three and lacks full national coverage, restricting the number of children who can benefit.

“Safety nets expenditure is inefficient, with a smaller share of benefits going to the poor. While 56 per cent of the beneficiaries are poor, only 44 per cent of the total safety net benefits go to the poor. For each programme category, the share of benefits going to the poor is lower than the share of beneficiaries who are poor. This inefficiency arises because benefit levels for most programmes, including the NASSP cash transfer programme, are determined at the household level, but poor people tend to live in larger households.

“That is, even for well-targeted programs, the same benefit amount is divided over a larger number of people living in poorer households. Programs such as the NHGSFP, which target individuals and not households, should be less affected by these issues. But NHGSFP only benefits children in grades 1 to 3, and does not yet have full coverage, which limits the number of children per household that can benefit from the program,” the report declared.

According to the bank, Nigeria spends barely 0.14 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product on social protection, far below the global average of 1.5 per cent and the Sub-Saharan African average of 1.1 per cent. That tiny allocation, the report warns, has had “almost no impact” on poverty. The combined effect of all existing social protection programmes in the country has reduced the national poverty headcount by just 0.4 percentage points.

To put it simply, despite government claims of multiple intervention schemes, from conditional cash transfers to school feeding programmes, the needle on poverty has barely moved. The report blames the weak impact on poor design and benefit dilution.

While some programmes, like the National Social Safety Nets Programme, disburse a flat amount per household, poorer households are typically larger, meaning the money is stretched among more mouths.

For instance, a family of eight in a rural village and a family of three in a semi-urban area may receive the same transfer, even though the former faces deeper hardship.

Other schemes, like the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which feeds primary school pupils, target individuals instead of households. Yet, they reach only children in grades one to three and cover a limited number of schools.

The World Bank also expressed concern over Nigeria’s heavy dependence on foreign donors to finance its social safety nets. Between 2015 and 2021, official development assistance accounted for about 60 per cent of federal spending on safety-net programmes, with the World Bank providing over 90 per cent of that support.

The report cautioned that this dependence puts Nigeria at risk of funding gaps whenever donor support declines. “There is an urgent need for Nigeria to find fiscal space for sustainable social safety-net programming,” the bank warned.

“At the existing level of social protection expenditure, there is almost no impact on the overall poverty headcount rate, gap, or depth. The impact on the poverty headcount rate of all social safety net expenditure combined is just 0.4 percentage points. The minimal impact is explained, first and foremost, by the low coverage of and low expenditures on safety net programmes.

“In addition, the inadequacy of benefit levels, particularly of the programs with the largest coverage, limits the ability of these programs to lift many out of poverty. Many programs implemented by the federal, state, and local levels, as well as safety net programs implemented by religious bodies, fail to reach the neediest. The low coverage, together with low benefit size and poor targeting, contribute to the negligible impacts of extant safety nets on the overall poverty headcount rate in Nigeria.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that the poverty impacts of safety net programs in Nigeria are much lower than in most other LMICs. The range of poverty impacts in Nigeria is even lower than the average among not just the LMICs, but also low-income countries with lower incomes and a higher extent of poverty.

“Likewise, the overall impact on inequality among the poor also remains low. The extant safety net programmes lower the poverty gap, the income needed to lift everyone to the poverty line (expressed as a percentage of the poverty line), by 0.2 percentage points and the overall depth of poverty by 0.15 percentage points.”

Furthermore, the bank stated that the poorest households in Nigeria are larger, which leads to the benefit being spread thinly among many family members. This further contributes to the negligible impacts on reducing inequality among the poor, as measured by the gap and severity of poverty.

“That being said, if well-targeted programmes are scaled up, then the poverty impacts can be significantly higher. For instance, the NASSP cash transfer programme has a much larger effect on poverty and inequality of its beneficiaries,” it stated.

The bank, however, acknowledged that the National Social Safety Nets Programme, which uses the National Social Registry to identify and reach poor households, has shown encouraging results.

Among its beneficiaries, the programme reduced poverty by 4.3 percentage points and the poverty gap by 4.2 percentage points, nearly 10 times more effective than the combined impact of all other social safety-net initiatives.

With more than 85 million individuals already captured in the NSR, the database, now the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, offers what the bank calls “a ready-made platform” for more accurate and transparent delivery of social assistance.

The Nigerian presidency has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will soon meet with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, to further strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated this on Monday.

He expressed the hope during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

“I said Tinubu and Trump will hopefully meet, either at the White House or the State House.

“It could happen at any time. In diplomacy, protocol is key. When you’re building something, it must be preserved and protected.

“We will not be pressured into revealing the stage we are at in this discussion because in diplomacy there must be respect for protocol,” Bwala said.

His comments come amid Trump's designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern and threats of military operation.

The assurance follows earlier remarks made by Bwala in a statement issued on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in which he emphasised that both leaders share a common vision in combating terrorism and protecting humanity from violent extremism.

"Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity," Bwala had said.

He noted that the Trump administration had extended significant support to Nigeria’s security efforts, which President Tinubu has effectively built upon.

"President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms to Nigeria and President Tinubu has adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it," the statement added.

Bwala further stated that any perceived differences between the two leaders on the nature of terrorist targets in Nigeria would be addressed during their upcoming engagement.

"As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or in fact all faiths and no faiths, the differences if they exist would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in the State House or White House," he said.

His comments came shortly after President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said.

The President also stressed that his administration remains engaged with both Christian and Muslim leaders in addressing national security challenges.

“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” he stated.

Tinubu dismissed what he described as a mischaracterisation of Nigeria’s religious landscape by external observers, saying such claims fail to reflect the country’s diversity and government’s sustained efforts to foster peace.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” the President declared.

He further stressed that religious tolerance remains central to Nigeria’s identity, insisting that his government neither supports nor condones persecution based on faith.

Tinubu was previously billed to travel to the United States to meet with Vice President JD Vance, but the trip was postponed, with the Nigerian leader expected to prioritise a meeting with Trump, who is due to attend the G20 summit in South Africa.

By Clement A. Oloyede, Mumini AbdulKareem, Ilorin


The federal government has remained silent on a 2020 legal brief reportedly written by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, in which he described the Boko Haram insurgency and attacks by “Fulani herdsmen” as part of a coordinated anti-Christian campaign that warranted international intervention.
Calls and messages to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, seeking the government’s comment on Amupitan’s legal brief, were not responded to as of press time.

This is even as Amupitan is yet to react to the issue since it was reported by Saharareporters on Friday. He could not be reached on his mobile telephone line when Daily Trust called several times. A text message sent to him was also not replied to. His Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, could not be reached either.

Sources close to the INEC chairman, however, said he was preoccupied with the conduct of the weekend’s Anambra governorship election.

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Amupitan was sworn in as INEC chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23 following his confirmation by the Senate.

He was listed among the contributors to a publication titled ‘Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community’, released in 2020 by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) and the International Organisation on Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ).

The report chronicled alleged systematic killings of Christians in Nigeria and called for international intervention. Amupitan’s 80-page chapter was titled ‘Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria.’

Also when contacted for comment on whether the Senate was ever aware of Amupitan’s claim on Christian genocide before confirming his appointment, the Senate’s spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, told Daily Trust that the upper chamber was unaware of it.

“I have never seen it. We are not privy to it, something that I have never seen, something that the Senate has never seen.

“We have never seen, maybe you are the only person who is privy to it. This is something that is not before us; something we don’t know,” he said.

The legal brief, accessed by Daily Trust through the website of the publisher over the weekend, alleged that the scale and pattern of killings and displacement in Nigeria met the threshold for genocide under international law and accused the federal government of complicity by failing to protect affected communities and ensuring justice for the victims.

The federal government had, last week, dismissed similar allegations after American President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and threatened military action; a move tied to an alleged Christian genocide.

Nigerian authorities had maintained that the security crisis affected all religious groups and was not targeted at Christians.

Amupitan’s 2020 position, which contrasts sharply with the government’s long-standing stance, has prompted a call by the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) for his removal.


Amupitan’s position, recommendations on ‘genocide’

In the paper, Amupitan, who was then a faculty member at the University of Jos, Plateau State, said, among other things, that “it is a notorious fact that there is perpetration of crimes under international law in Nigeria, particularly crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.

“One word that the Nigerian authorities and international investigators and rapporteurs have not mentioned (or simply refuse to mention) in respect of the protracted violence in Nigeria is ‘genocide.’ Is this a deliberate omission or an oversight?”

He added that the “alleged involvement of the state and non-state actors in the commission of crimes under international law in Nigeria has complicated an already complex situation. Consequently, the situation beckons the urgent need for a neutral and impartial third-party intervention, especially the UN and its key organs, the military and economic superpowers, and regional or sub-regional international organisations of intergovernmental character.

“In a globalised world, international law serves as a binding cord; state sovereignty diminishes to accommodate the common interests of the global community concretised by a mixture of consent, consensus and compelling norms.”

He added that “Boko Haram sect is a desire for the Islamisation of Nigeria. The Fulani ethnic militants, on their part, have engaged in the same anti-Christian violence as their Boko Haram counterparts.

“Since it is the agenda of the Fulani to Islamise the whole of Nigeria, they have used the machinery of the State, deliberately handed over to them by the colonialists, to advance their course at all times. The period of the military regime was used maximally to create states and LGAs, and set boundaries, in a manner that gives economic and political advantages to the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. The military regime ensured that major strategic appointments went to the Hausa-Fulani group, while their promotions in the public service, especially in the military, police, and customs, were accelerated. The well-orchestrated plan paid off for them because the other ethnic groups did not realise their agenda to Islamise the whole of Nigeria, and by the time the plan was being understood by some, though not all, of the other ethnic groups, the damage had already become too much. The military, police, customs, and the public service as a whole have been taken over completely, with Islamic fundamentalists planted in strategic positions to supervise the final phase of the agenda.”

In his legal brief, Amupitan had advising that the U.S. Department of State refer the case to the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice.

He had also called on the United Nations Security Council, its relevant organs, and major world powers to, among other recommendations, urge contracting parties to the Genocide Convention to sue Nigeria before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for failing to prevent and punish genocide as required under Articles 8 and 9 of the Convention; and consider military intervention by the UN, the African Union (AU) or ECOWAS forces as a last resort, in line with Article 42 of the UN Charter.


Sharia Council wants Amupitan’s appointment reviewed

While reacting over the weekend, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) urged President Tinubu to review Amupitan’s appointment.

In a statement by Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, its Secretary-General, the council expressed “serious concern” over the document, describing it as a “toxic legal brief containing highly provocative, distorted, and bigoted assertions about the nature of conflicts in Northern Nigeria and maligning the historical legacy of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio’s jihad.”

The SCSN said it was “unfortunate and disturbing” that someone now responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic integrity could have once promoted such divisive and sectarian views.

“If indeed Prof Amupitan authored the said document, his submissions are not only unbecoming of a person of learning but dangerously inimical to the unity, peace, and stability of our country,” the council said.

It described as false and misleading Amupitan’s alleged analysis of “Christian genocide” and his characterisation of northern violence as an extension of the 19th-century jihad led by Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” the statement said. “If we set aside the emotive distortions and examine the facts objectively, the reality is that the violence in Northern Nigeria is complex and multi-dimensional. Both Muslims and Christians have suffered immensely from violent extremists, banditry, and communal conflicts rooted in neglect, poverty, and social injustice.”

The council cited humanitarian data showing that Muslims have suffered more casualties in the affected areas, adding that it “defies logic and decorum to reduce these tragedies to a one-sided narrative of Christian persecution.”

It also faulted attempts to link the region’s current insecurity with the jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio, describing such claims as “a malicious distortion of history and a deliberate misrepresentation of one of West Africa’s most revered reform movements.”

“The jihad of Sheikh Uthman was not a war of hatred or extermination but a spiritual, moral, and social reform movement aimed at restoring justice, knowledge, and good governance,” the council added.

The SCSN argued that the position of INEC chairman demands the highest standards of neutrality, fairness, and inclusivity, qualities it said were inconsistent with the sentiments expressed in the alleged brief.

“Prof Amupitan has demonstrated, through the content of that document, a deep-seated prejudice that calls into serious question his capacity to conduct free and fair elections in a multi-religious, multi-ethnic nation,” it said.

The council further expressed concern that such a person could have passed through security clearance and vetting before being appointed to such a sensitive position, describing it as “either a grave lapse in due diligence or a reckless approval that undermines public trust in the system.”

It, therefore, called on President Tinubu to “critically review the appointment of Prof Amupitan as INEC chairman to safeguard the credibility of the nation’s electoral process.”

“The integrity of Nigeria’s elections cannot be entrusted to someone whose record reveals open hostility toward one of the country’s largest faith communities,” the statement added.

While reiterating its commitment to peace and unity, the SCSN urged Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, to reject divisive narratives and focus instead on confronting common challenges such as injustice, corruption, poverty, and insecurity.


Amupitan’s legal brief doesn’t undermine his new office – SANs

Lawyers who spoke to Daily Trust said the opinion Amupitan expressed in his legal brief does not undermine his current position as INEC chairman.

A Uyo-based legal expert, Nwoko Uwemedimo (SAN), told Daily Trust in a telephone chat that the matter does not warrant resignation or dismissal, and that the government’s position and the chairman’s past opinion represent two distinct issues.

“It is not the government that should dismiss him. If he feels strongly about his past statement, that is his conviction. The government is not denying that killings are taking place; what the government denies is the classification of those killings as genocide against Christians. The government agrees there is terrorism and insecurity, but insists that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims. The problem is continuous killing, that is the real issue,” he stated.

Uwemedimo argued that the INEC chairman’s role does not intersect with the subject matter of his alleged past opinion and therefore cannot reasonably create a conflict of interest.

“Relating it to his current job, I don’t think it requires him to resign. The position he occupies does not put that moral burden on him. If he were appointed as National Security Adviser, which directly handles issues of terrorism and national security, that would be a different matter. But as INEC chairman, his duties are entirely separate,” he argued.

He added that the existence of killings in Nigeria is undeniable and that both the government and society must confront this reality honestly.

Uwemedimo also criticised the apparent desensitisation of Nigerian leaders and society to violence.

“Our leaders no longer feel horror at the loss of life. We have buried so many dead that death no longer frightens us. In a normal society, the killing of even one person should be treated as a national tragedy. But in Nigeria, we walk on blood and move on.

“If I were him, I would not change my position. The government would be shameless to attack him for speaking the truth about killings in this country. Debating his resignation is chasing shadows while ignoring the substance,” he added.

Josiah Adebayo, Head of Chambers at Akin Akinsanya (SAN) in Ilorin, Kwara State, said: “I don’t think it poses a conflict of interest or affects his job. The truth is, if you’re not part of the system, you cannot reform it. You can’t stand outside and keep criticising; you must be within the system to drive meaningful change,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s political and social environment often amplifies ethnic and religious sentiments in public discourse which can cloud objective assessments of public officials’ capacities.

He emphasised that other groups, including Muslims and traditional worshippers, had also suffered from insecurity, and all sectors of society should voice their concerns equally.

“The government did not deny that Christians are being killed. What the government said is that it is not only Christians. So, there is no real conflict there,” he said.

Addressing calls for the chairman’s removal, Adebayo argued that the law protects the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its leadership.

He stressed that the president cannot unilaterally remove the chairman without due process.

“He has already been confirmed by the Senate. The president can’t simply remove him without following the same procedures that led to his confirmation. If the government tries that, he could sue and claim damages. But I don’t think the government will go to that extent. It should instead focus on fixing the security situation in the country. Once security is restored, everything else will fall into place,” he noted.

When contacted, Akin Onigbinde (SAN), said that although he had not read the opinion being referred to and therefore could not make much comment, he noted that there is a well-defined institutional process governing appointments to key national positions.

“This includes vetting and confirmation by the National Assembly and other relevant bodies. As such, any concerns about suitability should have been addressed during that process. There is a process by which people are appointed to office.

“The nomination goes through relevant Senate committees and finally through the National Council of State. If a person was duly confirmed through those institutional gates, which exist to ensure due diligence, you cannot lay the blame at his doorstep,” he said.


‘Amupitan’s genocide claim speaks to his integrity’

For his part, the immediate past Kwara State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mumini Jimoh (SAN), expressed a different opinion.

According to him, Nigerians take different positions at different times depending on personal circumstances.

He said the INEC boss might have taken that position without knowing he would later be part of the present government.

He described it as unfortunate for him to have held such a view, insisting there has never been genocide against Christians.

“He must have been on the wrong side of the law when he held that view, if it is true that he authored it, though he was entitled to his own opinion. Thousands of Muslims are being slaughtered daily in Zamfara, in addition to the numbers in several northern states, including Kwara North. No right-thinking person can come to such a conclusion except out of parochialism.

“But if he has some decency, he would have rejected this appointment under a government that he said was committing genocide. Our elites change opinions like diets,” he stated.

He said the whole scenario now comes down to the question of integrity.

“This is where the issue of integrity comes in. When you say things that do not exist, as far as I am concerned, and author articles or make pronouncements that lack basis because of alleged parochial interest, it means you lack integrity and so do not have any business heading an administration like INEC. This simply means any such person can as well author results that are not valid,” he said.


‘He should resign if he truly authored that legal brief’

Also, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Salman Jawondo (SAN), told Daily Trust that the controversy surrounding the 2020 legal brief has placed both the INEC chairman and the federal government in a difficult position.

“If it is true that he authored the report, the implication is that his position stands against the very government he is now serving. Therefore, rather than being removed, I think it would be more honourable for him to resign,” Jawondo said.

He noted that Prof Amupitan, who was not part of the government when the report was written, might have been influenced by the organisation that commissioned the work.

Jawondo, however, argued that the report’s claims did not reflect the factual situation on the ground, insisting that the Nigerian government has not engaged in any organised genocide against Christians.

He cautioned public figures against making sweeping or unverified claims, saying such statements could create complications if those individuals later occupy sensitive government positions.

“The appointment process in Nigeria often lacks proper diligence. We have had other officials whose credentials or past actions were not thoroughly vetted, like the former minister of technology and Mrs Kemi Adeosun,” he said.

“Such situations can embarrass the government and undermine public trust. Careful vetting, respect for integrity in appointments, and proactive planning are essential to prevent similar crises in the future. This, however, is not about President Tinubu alone. Subsequent presidents must learn from this episode and ensure thorough due diligence on appointees, especially those being considered for sensitive positions,” he added.

Dangote Refinery Reduces Fuel Price After Massive Drop In Imported Petrol Rates

Dangote Refinery has reduced its gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit after a significant drop in the landing cost of imported petrol in Nigeria.

Checks by DAILY POST on Friday showed that the refinery reduced its ex-depot petrol price to N827 per litre, down from N872.

This means that the refinery dropped its fuel price by N44.

The firm has officially confirmed the downward adjustment as of the time of this report.

The price reduction comes after the landing cost of imported petrol recorded consistent drops in the last few days.

DAILY POST reports that the landing cost of petrol dropped to N827.04 as of November 2025, according to the data from the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The development had pushed retail prices of fuel down in parts of Abuja.

Consequently, the Refinery claimed it has reviewed its petrol price to compete in the country’s downstream sector.

It is expected that Dangote Refinery’s retail partners; MRS, AP Ardova and other filling stations, would reduce their petrol price below N950 per litre in the coming days.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have banned military personnel from marrying foreigners and naturalised Nigerians.

According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) of the Armed Forces Act 2024, it is also illegal for commissioned officers to marry non-commissioned officers, such as soldiers, ratings, or airwomen.

Service chiefs are under strict orders to implement the new rules.

It reads in part: “This Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers 2024 has been promulgated to ensure uniform implementation and it supersedes the previous HTACOS Officers 2017.

The contents are to be strictly observed on all occasions and interpreted reasonably and intelligently, with due respect to the interest of the Services, bearing in mind that no attempt has been made to provide for unnecessary and self-evident exceptions. This HTACOS is subject to review after five years.”

Chapter 25 of the new rule deals with marriages for the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces.

Specifically, Subsection 5 of the document states that “no officer is allowed to marry a foreigner or a naturalised Nigerian.”

The HTACOS document is subject to review after five years.

The 2024 edition of the HTACOS, as approved by the Armed Forces Council, came into effect on December 6, 2024, when it was signed by the President.

According to Chapter 25, Subsection 1, a second lieutenant, midshipman and pilot officer (2Lt/Mid/Plt Offr) is on probation and is expected to live in the Officers’ Mess without a spouse.[b]

Also, he is not allowed to marry, and if he has been married before he went to the Academy, though his records may show this fact, he will not be recognised as a married officer for the purpose of accommodation, pay and other allowances applicable to married officers.

However, Subsection 2 of the same chapter states that “where a soldier/rating/airman is commissioned into any of the Services’ Corps/Branch/Specialty from the ranks as 2Lt/Mid/Plt Officer and the officer was married before commissioning, he will live in the Officers’ Mess for a minimum of three months. Thereafter, he may be given married accommodation if available or lodging allowance in lieu.”

According to the law, before marriage, officers are required to obtain approval from higher authorities and subject their partners to a vetting process.

Chapter 25, Subsection 3-4 states: “Any officer who is not yet married must first seek approval of the appropriate superior authority of his/her intention to marry. An RCC officer shall not be eligible to apply to marry until after five years of commissioning.

The approval shall be granted only after vetting and clearance of the officer’s proposed spouse by the appropriate superior authority.”

“If an officer marries a soldier/rating/airman/airwoman under any of the existing ordinances, the officer or the soldier/rating/airman/airwoman will be given the option to leave the Service from the date of such marriage. Where personnel married to fellow personnel are commissioned, the spouse of the commissioned officer shall be discharged from Service. It is an offence for an officer to conceal his marriage to a soldier/rating/airman/airwoman for the purpose of preventing the officer or the soldier/rating/airman/airwoman from leaving the Service.”


Why It Is So – Ex-General

Meanwhile, a retired major general, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the rule was intended to prevent soldiers from divulging information to foreign countries through their spouses.

He said there was no way an officer would not, on occasion, discuss job-related issues with their spouse, adding that doing so with a foreign partner could jeopardise the sovereignty of the officer’s country.

He said, “Obviously, the rule is meant for the protection of information and other security-related issues. Imagine a Nigerian soldier married to a Cameroonian or Liberian, and Nigeria goes into war with any of those countries, the general belief is that loyalty could be divided or something like that. If it is generally allowed, it won’t be in the interest of the nation, security-wise.”


Law Should Be Reviewed, Says Retired Group Captain

Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq (Rtd) said that while the condition was rooted in national security, such a clause should be reviewed in line with best practices in advanced countries where vetting is carried out on the intended spouse. He said many militaries across the globe maintain similar laws but do not outright ban them.

He explained that the HTCOS (Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service) is a document that the military designed itself to regulate how affairs within the military can be conducted, and is different from the Armed Forces Act.

According to him, the outright ban on foreign spouses is meant to prevent a potential security compromise because officers have access to classified information. He added that the provision is rooted in national security considerations and not cultural prejudice. He said marriage to a foreigner could unintentionally create a channel for intelligence leakage.

Secondly, he said the ban relates to citizenship and allegiance, adding that “a spouse’s foreign citizenship can raise questions about dual allegiance, like inheritance rights and residence privileges, in ways that might conflict with Nigeria’s security laws”.

The third reason, according to him, is operational deployment and posting risks. He said officers married to foreigners could face restrictions when posted abroad, particularly when occupying sensitive commands, maybe in intelligence, which complicates personnel management. The final reason he advanced is reciprocity and diplomatic reasons.

According to Shehu, many militaries across the globe maintain similar laws. He explained, however, that it was not universal but also not unique to Nigeria.

“For example, in the United States, there is no general bar, but officers in certain agencies require security clearance to marry a foreigner. While it is not prohibited completely, vetting of the intended spouse is required.

“In the UK, they do not ban marriage to foreign spouses, but the officer’s access to classified information is restricted until vetting is carried out on the spouse. China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern and African states explicitly prohibit it. India and Pakistan also require approval before marriage,” he said.

“Maybe, looking at what is happening in other parts of the world, I think we can review this law to introduce instruments of vetting before such a marriage is done instead of an outright ban. This rule was enacted during the military regime; the younger generation of officers may consider such conditions an infringement on their rights. I think it is one area that the military might look at, seeing what is happening in other countries,” he added.

However, the rule is not observed in a country like the United States of America, where military officers are generally allowed to marry foreigners.

Online checks reveal that in the US military, officers are permitted to marry foreign nationals, but such officers must obtain a security clearance.

They are expected to report the relationship, and the marriage is considered in security clearance decisions.

Reacting to the Nigerian rule on marriage to foreigners by its military men, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, Dr Zikirullahi Ibrahim, faulted the regulation.

He said such a law should apply only to those in positions of authority, such as the Service Chiefs who have access to sensitive information, and not to just anyone in the military.

He said, “When you say members of the Armed Forces should not marry a foreigner, why are they isolated from other government officials? I ask, what about Nigerians in the Armed Forces who have relocated their families abroad?

These families most times later naturalise in foreign lands. We have seen a number of them. Most of our top military brass, their families have dual citizenship, and so what are we doing about that?”

He further queried why such a law does not apply to the political class.

“What about the politicians? Many of them have dual citizenship. Why do we have to isolate the military; are they not citizens of this country? If we are to talk about sanitising the system, there is no arm of government that should be isolated. You don’t make laws for a particular set of people and another law for a different set of people.

There should be consistency in terms of policymaking so that, at the end of the day, you cannot make laws that cannot be implemented, that won’t be effective.”

He reiterated that only those aspiring to occupy positions of authority should be so restricted.

He said that only those considered for appointments as chiefs in any of the Services should be banned from having a foreign spouse.

He said love and affection shouldn’t be subject to human laws.

“A love relationship is an act of God. We can have a blanket law that says certain positions cannot be occupied by persons with dual citizenship, children or spouse. This would make people more conscious and imbibe a sense of nationality knowing that ‘if I’ve this, I’ll be limited in my career progression.’”

But the executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, supported the restriction of marriage for serving military officers.

According to him, such persons hold the nation’s information and should consider national interest in their choice of spouse.

He said, “In my opinion, if you’re holding a sensitive security position, it will definitely be risky to get married or maintain a relationship with someone from another nationality who will probably leak such information.

“So if you decide to be a security person, then you already know the consequences. I don’t think such individuals should be allowed to maintain a relationship that exposes our sensitive information.

“If you decide to be security personnel, even before you join, you already know the sacrifices and privileges involved, so, for me, right from the beginning, people should be aware of those things. They already know certain things that must remain confidential for the sake of the nation.”

By Olufemi Adediran, Daniel Ayantoye and Imoleayo Oyedeyi
.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has slammed United States President, Donald Trump, for describing Nigeria as a disgraced country.

This is just as the Northern Elders’ Forum and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria also criticised Trump for threatening the sovereignty of Nigeria.

While NEF denounced what it called a “dangerous pattern of foreign interference,” Miyetti Allah said it was outraged by attempts to link the association to terrorism and religious extremism.

Trump had, in a recent White House briefing, threatened to “take decisive action” if the killing of Christians continued in Nigeria.

Jibrin condemned Trump’s military threat, describing his statement as “un-American” and “a violation of international law.”

Speaking in a viral video which trended on Friday, the Deputy Senate President said, “But for now, for the president of the United States to come in and say, ‘Oh, you are doing this and we are going to attack you, and Nigeria is a disgraced country’ — this is quite unacceptable.”

“We feel that he should understand, then retract that statement and apologise to Nigeria.”

He maintained that the American leader’s utterances breached diplomatic decorum and contravened established international law.

“It’s against international law. Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution there, and then anything can come later. To bypass that route is quite unacceptable. It’s un-American,” he stated.

Jibrin, who spoke passionately before a gathering that applauded him, said Nigeria would not be intimidated by Trump’s threats.

“We are not scared to say the truth. We are not scared of telling Trump the truth. If he were here, I would tell him he has gone against international law and that the route he’s taking is not the best one to take,” he added.

Also speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, warned that northern leaders and the people of the region would not tolerate any form of external meddling in the country’s affairs under the pretext of fighting insecurity.

“Nigeria is not an appendage of America. Donald Trump is violating international treaties of the United Nations on the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. And we here in the North are not going to tolerate that,” Jiddere said.

He accused the United States of creating instability in several countries it claimed to have helped, citing Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Afghanistan as examples where American intervention caused chaos and suffering.

According to him, Washington’s interest in Nigeria is not humanitarian but economic.

The NEF spokesman maintained that Nigeria remained a sovereign country capable of handling its internal challenges.

He stressed that while international support was welcome, such cooperation must respect the nation’s independence and constitution.

He dismissed claims of genocide against Christians as “false narratives aimed at destabilising the country.”

MACBAN also faulted the resolution of the US House of Representatives calling for sanctions against the group for alleged violations of religious freedom.

Describing the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” the National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, said the association was concerned that its name was being dragged into what he called a politically motivated campaign.

“This is a very serious allegation coming from the US Congress. We are surprised to be included in such an allegation,” he told Saturday PUNCH.

The MACBAN leader said the group was already compiling documents to defend its position before the appropriate authorities.

Othman-Ngelzarma insisted that Miyetti Allah was a legitimate, law-abiding body representing pastoralists across Nigeria and had no link with any criminal group.


US driven by economic interests—AYCC

Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Consultative Council has insisted that Trump’s threat is driven by economic interests rather than concerns about religious freedom.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the AYCC National President, Zaid Ayuba Ayuba, said the North does not see the threat as genuine, suggesting it is more connected to Nigeria’s natural resources and its growing relationships with other global powers.

“We believe this threat must have something to do with the economic base. This threat must have something to do with America’s interest in Nigerian natural resources and the relationship between Nigeria and other powers,” Ayuba said.

He noted that while the US had accused Nigeria of religious persecution, such allegations were often used as excuses to pursue deeper political or economic motives in other nations.

“One thing we are confident about is that the threat of this invasion is not really about religious genocide. Everyone in the world can attest to this,” he said.

The Arewa youth leader called on the Federal Government to respond swiftly through diplomatic channels, including involving former heads of state and diplomats.

He warned that any US invasion would not only destabilise the region but also bring unnecessary suffering to innocent citizens.

“The United States has a history that once they invade a country, there is no way they will leave until they get what they are looking for. And that means the lives of ordinary Nigerians who have nothing to do with the differences between the government of Nigeria and the United States will be the ones that will feel it,” Ayuba said.

By Seun Adeuyi


The BBC has cast doubt on the credibility of data used to arrive at the conclusion that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.

The religious persecution narrative gained traction after the address of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the last United Nations General Assembly.

Shettima had said the situation in Gaza was “heart-wrenching” and demanded an immediate ceasefire that would birth Palestinians independence and a home of their own on territories already recognised by the UN and international law.

He said a two-state solution remains the most viable path to peace and warned that continued neglect of international law only fuels propaganda and undermines global stability.

Shortly after the speech, popular US television host and comedian, Bill Maher, described what was happening in Nigeria as a “genocide” .
Ted Cruz, a United States senator, also jumped on the train, declaring that Nigeria’s government was enabling a “massacre” of Christians, the world took notice. His claim, shared on social media and repeated in Congress, accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring what he called a “Christian genocide.”

“50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, 2000 schools and 18,000 churches destroyed,” Cruz wrote on X.

“The Nigerian government has looked the other way.”

After Cruz’s post, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a label reserved for governments accused of tolerating religious persecution.

In a Truth Social post last Friday, Trump cited a figure of 3,100 Christians killed. He was referring to a report by Open Doors for deaths for the 12 months from October 2023, a White House official said.

Open Doors is a charity which researches the persecution of Christians worldwide.

In its reporting it says that while 3,100 Christians died, 2,320 Muslims were also killed in that 12-month period.

Open Doors also includes what it called “Fulani Terror Groups” in its list of perpetrators and said they were responsible for almost a third of Christians killed during those 12 months.

Contacted by the BBC, Frans Veerman, senior research fellow at Open Doors, had said, “what we see now is that Christians are still targeted, but increasingly some Muslims are targeted by Fulani militants”.

In its report, the British broadcaster said figures repeatedly referenced by Cruz, and other campaigners — including claims that over 100,000 Christians have been killed and 18,000 churches destroyed since 2009 — were difficult to verify.

The BBC traced most of these statistics to reports by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety), a Nigerian non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights violations.

However, the report said InterSociety’s data collection methods were “opaque” and lacked independently verifiable sources.

InterSociety acknowledged that it compiles figures by combining “summary statistics” from earlier publications with new estimates — a process the BBC said makes verification nearly impossible.

The report also found that most victims of jihadist attacks in Nigeria have been Muslims, contradicting the narrative of a targeted Christian genocide promoted by some Western politicians.

The federal government has repeatedly dismissed allegations of religious persecution, describing them as “a gross misrepresentation of reality.” Officials maintain that extremist violence in the country affects citizens of all faiths.

Security analysts quoted by the BBC said that while Christians have suffered attacks, there is no clear evidence of deliberate religious targeting, noting that the country faces multiple security challenges beyond jihadist insurgency.

Trump recently threatened unspecified action against Nigeria over what he called “the killing of Christians,” but the BBC’s findings suggest the data underpinning his claim may be unreliable.

Man Detained After Grabbing Mexican President’s Breasts, Attempting To Kiss Her

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she will press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance.

Mobile phone footage of the incident on Tuesday shows Sheinbaum speaking to a group of supporters on a street near the National Palace in Mexico City.

In the video, a man approaches her from behind and attempts to kiss her on the neck and place his hands on her body.

Sheinbaum moved away quickly and a member of her team stepped in, but she was visibly shaken. The offender has been arrested.

“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Wednesday.

“I decided to press charges because this is something that I experienced as a woman, but that we as women experience in our country,” she said. “I have experienced it before, when I wasn’t president, when I was a student.”

She added that she had decided to press ahead with bringing charges against the suspect as he had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd.

“A line must be drawn,” she said.

Women’s rights groups and feminist commentators have said the incident shows the extent of ingrained machismo in Mexican society, where a man believes he has the right to accost even the president if she is a woman.

Femicide is also a huge problem in Mexico, with a staggering 98% of gender-based murders estimated to go unpunished.

Sheinbaum promised to tackle the issue as a candidate, but so far in her administration, there has been no discernible improvement in that area of violent crime.

The incident also comes amid discussions about presidential security and the wider safety of politicians.

As president, Sheinbaum has broadly followed the approach of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, in having close and regular contact with her supporters on the streets or in campaign events.

On occasion, that has presented security concerns for her team. However, she confirmed in her new conference she had no intention of changing her policy of interacting with her supporters.

The incident also happened just days after the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, a municipality in the violent state of Michoacan, at the local Day of the Dead celebrations.

Manzo had called on Sheinbaum for greater federal support in Uruapan in the fight against drug cartels. Around 35 candidates were killed in the lead up to the general election last year in what was considered the bloodiest campaign in modern Mexico.

Since taking office, Sheinbaum has made in-roads in improving the country’s dire security situation, particularly clamping down on fentanyl-trafficking – a key issue for her US counterpart, President Trump.

By : Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja


Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has cautioned African governments against celebrating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figures that do not translate into improved living conditions for citizens.

At the 65th anniversary of the Ford Foundation in West Africa, in Abuja, Osinbajo stated that the continent had recorded some of the world’s highest GDP growth rates in recent years, yet remained burdened by poor welfare indicators, weak healthcare systems, education gaps, and widespread unemployment.

The former vice president said his experience in office revealed a deep disconnect between macroeconomic numbers and the daily realities of ordinary Nigerians.

He said: “Africa is the fastest growing continent in GDP terms, and has been so for a while, yet it remains the continent with the lowest overall quality of life, based on global indices like health, education, infrastructure and economic stability. In other words, GDP growth does not mean development for the majority. It does not necessarily translate to jobs or a decent life for citizens. One of my biggest frustrations as Vice President and chair of the economic team in our government from 2016 to 2019 was how people reacted when we discussed GDP growth figures.

“The vast majority ask, ‘do these people live in a different country?’ ‘I can’t pay my children’s school fees or hospital bills.’ ‘Where is this growth?’ It became clear to me that when we as governments talk about growth, citizens wonder what we’re talking about. Only big business, like banks, understands those things.”

He argued that social justice, by ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources, and protections, must become the foundation of economic planning, not an afterthought.

Osinbajo called for a shift from trickle-down policy approaches to bottom-up investment strategies that prioritise rural communities, women, young people and informal workers who drive the continent’s economy.

He cited Bangladesh’s girls’ education reforms, Rwanda’s gender inclusion policies, and the Lagos judicial reforms of 1999, in which he noted that women judges were elevated and judicial corruption declined, as practical examples of how inclusive governance strengthens national productivity.

The number two citizen under the late Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency also warned that corruption remains one of the most severe forms of social injustice, depriving citizens of public services and undermining national progress.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, commended Ford Foundation for a long-standing partnership and described the anniversary as timely for deepening collaboration on inclusive development.

Regional Director of the Ford Foundation in West Africa, Dr ChiChi Aniagolu, reminded the audience that Ford began operations in Lagos in 1960, adding that the organisation supported a wide array of initiatives, including education, human rights, women’s empowerment, cultural expression, economic inclusion and environmental justice in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and across the sub-region.

Aniagolu pledged that the foundation would continue to emphasise capacity building, accountability and local ownership, rather than prescriptive solutions, and applauded young leaders who are redefining democracy and justice in contemporary West Africa.

Senior Vice President of the Foundation, Martín Abregu, noted that while the Foundation began in the United States more than eight decades ago, its mission has evolved into a global pursuit of social justice and reduced inequality.

by Nafisat Abdulrahman


The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has made allegations that some officials within the Presidential Villa were demanding bribes from individuals, including senior government functionaries, seeking access to President Bola Tinubu.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District of Borno State, made the claims during an interview on Arise News Channel on Wednesday, expressing frustration over what he described as a corrupt and exclusionary system around the President.

According to the lawmaker, only a select few individuals have direct access to the President, while others were forced to go through intermediaries who allegedly demand payments.

“I don’t have access to the President. The only time I see him is when he’s attending an event,” Ndume lamented. “That’s how they run the government. It’s dominated by kakistocrats, people who are the least qualified or most corrupt. If you want to see the President, they’ll ask you how much you’re willing to pay.”

Ndume’s remarks came amid rising concerns over the growing disconnect between the Presidency and key stakeholders, including lawmakers and other state officials.

The Senate Chief Whip revealed that his attempts to reach the President through official means had repeatedly been frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks and aides who deliberately blocked communication.

“I wrote to them, requesting a meeting with the President to discuss some financial matters, but they kept playing games as if they want you to go to heaven first,” he said, describing the experience as “frustrating and embarrassing.”

As of press time, no official statement has been issued from the Presidential Villa regarding Ndume’s allegations.

by Hafsat Bello Bahara


The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, has declared that his party will do everything possible to ensure Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) does not return to office in the 2027 general election.

In a short video clip circulating on Facebook, Abbas was seen addressing APC supporters at a gathering of the party’s social media crew in Gwale local government area of the State, where he made the remarks.

“No matter the consequences, Abba will not return to the governor’s seat. Whether Kano stays in peace or falls into chaos, it doesn’t matter, Abba’s tenure must end in Kano,” Abbas said emphatically to the cheering crowd.

During his speech, the APC chairman also took a swipe at the NNPP-led administration in the State, accusing it of incompetence and corruption. According to him, Governor Yusuf’s team lacked the capacity to govern the state effectively.

“They thought governing is easy, but ever since assuming office, all we have seen is gross incompetence, negligence, and mad looting. Everyone is in a hurry to steal,” Abbas alleged.

He also described the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis in the state as “a disgrace,” saying the creation of two rival emirs was a blemish on the state’s history.

“This government has destroyed our emirate system. A historic city like Kano is now witnessing two emirs — this is a disgrace,” he said.

The State APC chairman Abbas, known for his fiery and bold statements, has remained one of the most vocal critics of the Governor Abba Yusuf administration since the NNPP took over power in 2023.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Tuesday disclosed plans to raise its equity stake in the $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery to 20 per cent, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and consolidate its position in the downstream oil sector.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, made the disclosure while speaking at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2025. Ojulari said the move aligns with NNPCL’s long-term strategy to deepen local participation in the energy value chain and ensure energy security.

“The company is working towards increasing its stake in Nigeria’s Dangote refinery to 20 per cent,” Ojulari said as reported by Reuters.

His remarks come just weeks after the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, revealed plans to list between five and 10 per cent of the refinery’s shares on the Nigerian Exchange within the next year, mirroring the public listing model of its cement and sugar subsidiaries.

“Within the next year, the refining business will list five per cent to 10 per cent of its shares on the Nigerian stock exchange,” he said, mirroring a playbook established by the group’s cement and sugar businesses. We don’t want to keep more than 65 per cent to 70 per cent,” Dangote said, explaining that shares will be offered incrementally subject to investor appetite and market depth.

“I want to demonstrate what this refinery can do, then we can sit down and talk,” Dangote said. This move would represent a fresh investment of almost 13 per cent above its current 7.2 per cent stake.

The announcement also comes on the heels of NNPC’s ongoing search for technical and equity partners to revive its three dormant state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. Despite years of rehabilitation funding, the refineries have remained idle, forcing the country to rely heavily on imported petroleum products.

It is believed that if the Dangote refinery reaches full operational capacity and NNPCL completes its refinery rehabilitation programme, Nigeria could finally achieve self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, a goal that has eluded Africa’s biggest crude producer for decades.

Ojulari further noted that the state-owned oil company had made significant progress in enhancing transparency across its operations as it prepares for its much-anticipated initial public offering.

“The IPO journey is by law. The Petroleum Industry Act prescribes that NNPC must move towards becoming a publicly listed company. It’s not an option for us,” the NNPC boss noted. “Since May this year, we have started publishing our monthly performance reports, and that has continued as part of our efforts to build public trust and accountability.”

With the company’s IPO plans still in view, Ojulari said NNPC was positioning itself as a globally competitive energy company driven by efficiency, transparency, and profitability. “We are building an institution that Nigerians can be proud of, one that is commercially driven, transparent, and ready to compete globally,” he said.

There was mild drama in the Senate on Tuesday as Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau openly countered Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his remarks on United States President Donald Trump’s controversial comments accusing Nigeria of genocide against Christians.

The session followed Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” claiming that the Federal Government had allowed killings of Christians in the country.

The matter came up at the close of Tuesday’s plenary when Akpabio informed lawmakers that Nigerians were eager to hear the Senate’s stance.

He. however, said the upper chamber would not take a position until the Federal Government had formally briefed it on the matter.

“Who am I to reply Trump?” Akpabio asked rhetorically, explaining that the Senate could only deliberate on issues properly brought before it.

He added that although Nigerians wanted the legislature to respond, the Senate would wait for official communication before taking any step.

His remark, however, drew an immediate reaction from his deputy, Barau Jibrin.

“Don’t be scared, I can say it. I am not scared of Trump. I will say my mind,” Barau declared.

He continued, “I am a Nigerian, a parliamentarian, and the Deputy Senate President of a sovereign nation. I am not scared of Trump. Don’t be scared of Trump. You can say your mind about him. We are a sovereign nation. He is saying lies about our country, and we have the right to dispute it.

“If you say you didn’t say it, that is correct, but what I am trying to say is that you shouldn’t be scared of him.”

But Akpabio interjected while Barau was making his submission.

“I said I am not scared. How can the Senate President of the country be scared of Trump?” Akpabio responded.

“Get this, speak, but don’t allow people to ascribe what you did not say to you. But if you want me to say it now, I will do. But listen, I can only say what we discussed”, he added.

Akpabio then turned to the Clerk of the Senate, directing that Barau’s comments be deleted from the official record, saying the Deputy Senate President had “spoken out of tune.”

Unperturbed, Barau later walked toward Akpabio’s seat and engaged him in a brief, hushed discussion that caught the attention of senators before Barau returned to his seat.

Daily Trust had reported that Trump’s statement, which was reinforced by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth who posted on X that his department was “preparing for action,” has sparked outrage across political and diplomatic circles.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had since rejected Trump’s assertion, insisting that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence among its people.

Also, China has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s comments and pledged support for Nigeria, describing it as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”

Beijing warned that no country should use religion or human-rights concerns as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, or threatening them with sanctions and force.”

The statement came in response to Trump’s threat of possible military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

Following the re-designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) by United States President, Donald Trump, over alleged genocide against Christians, reactions from Nigeria’s opposition figures have begun to emerge, reflecting a mix of caution, nationalism, and calls for internal reform.

However, some opposition figures have cautioned against welcoming Trump’s controversial threat of military intervention in Nigeria, while others have kept mum.


Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi Silent — But Active on Other Issues:

Interestingly, two of the country’s most prominent opposition figures—Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, have not commented publicly on Trump’s threat or the CPC designation of Nigeria, despite their reputations for speaking on national issues.

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, who has often been outspoken about what he would do in sensitive national situations if he were to be the President, has remained silent on Trump’s warning, instead focusing on other engagements over the weekend.

On Friday, Obi shared that he attended the funeral of Dr. Mike Ejeagha, the legendary highlife musician known for “Gwo Gwo Gwom.” On Saturday, he posted that he had travelled to Amichi, Anambra State, visiting the College of Nursing, Amichi. On Sunday, he celebrated Cardinal Arinze’s 93rd birthday in a post on his social handles.

Similarly, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has maintained silence on Trump’s threat but has remained active on social and political issues.

On Saturday, he condemned the detention of a student from Ibrahim Babamasi Babangida University in Lapai by the Niger State Government. On Sunday, he commented on the Anambra State governorship election set to take place over the weekend. On Monday, he posted about leading a delegation on a condolence visit to the family of H.E. Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, former governor of Bauchi State, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Halima Suleman.


Kwankwaso: “Nigeria’s Problems Not Religious”

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, also urged caution in responding to Trump’s remarks. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso said the U.S. President’s comments risked fueling division in a country already struggling with security challenges.

“Insecurity in Nigeria affects all tribes and religious groups,” he said. “While Nigeria faces serious security challenges, these issues cut across ethnic, religious, and political lines.” Kwankwaso emphasised that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of resolving its internal problems. He urged the U.S. to provide technological and intelligence support instead of making divisive statements.


Sowore: “No One Should Celebrate Such Rhetoric”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, warned Nigerians to be wary of celebrating Trump’s statement, describing it as “perilous.” He argued that U.S. military interventions in other countries have historically resulted in chaos rather than stability.

“The latest threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch military action in Nigeria, allegedly to protect Christians, may sound appealing to some. Still, history has shown this to be perilous,” Sowore wrote.
“Whether you are Christian, Muslim, animist, or non-religious, no one should celebrate such rhetoric.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, while reiterating its commitment to ending terrorism and violent extremism, has also sought to reassure citizens and the international community that it remains capable of protecting all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.

by Beloved John


In the last 24 hours, Nigerians have been engrossed in a heated debate on the implications of a US-threatened military incursion into Nigeria.

Opinions have mainly been divided, with one group arguing in favour of US planned intervention and another insisting on questioning the US motive and its long-term implications for the country’s sovereignty, security, and regional stability.

On Saturday, the US president, Donald Trump, threatened military action against the country, a day after falsely accusing the federal government of supporting genocide against Christians in the country.

Mr Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), suspended arms sales and technical support for the country.

In a post on Truth Social, he claimed Christianity was an existential threat in Nigeria as radical Islamic groups were killing thousands of Christians.

Many Nigerians, however, are against a US military invasion. They have described it as a move that could plunge the country into a worse crisis and lead to the death of more citizens.

Some social media users have referenced the devastation US invasions left behind in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as a warning for Nigeria.

Sharing his views on X, a Nigerian user, Inyali Peter, wrote, “Is there a single country the US has invaded that it has not left in ruins? We must be cautious about what we support for the sake of politics. The United States has targeted every revolutionary African leader.”

Another Nigerian on X with the username Omo Akin wrote, “America fought against ISIS in Syria, ISIS is ruling Syria today. America fought Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Al-Qaeda is ruling Iraq today. America fought the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the Taliban is ruling Afghanistan today. Yet Nigerians are begging America to come and fight Boko Haram,” he added.

Ayo Sogunro, another social media user, tagged Mr Trump as crazy, adding that the US has no legitimate right to “launch an armed Christian crusade in Nigeria.”

A Facebook user, Salman Gambo, declared that Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected, adding that the country has the right to manage its affairs without interference.


Calls for intervention

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria are inaccurate, as the nature of Nigeria’s violent crisis varies and manifests in different forms.

It is rather a mix of historical grievances, ethnic tensions, economic disparities, religious extremism, and weak governance that drives them.

Ideologically driven Jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram, have attacked clerics, carried out abductions, and raided communities irrespective of religious faith.

The conflict in the Middle East has religious undertones, but is primarily driven by tension and competition over scarce resources, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In his response to Mr Trump, President Bola Tinubu said his assertions do not truly reflect the national reality, adding that his administration is opposed to religious persecution and does not encourage it.

However, Mr Trump insisted that the US military action against Nigeria would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Elijah Gbabe describes Mr Trump’s plan as a “good thing.” For him, this meant that “people living in the IDP camp can return to their ancestors’ land.”

Nico Danjuma wrote on Facebook that the “fear of Trump is the beginning of people in Nigeria.”

Frank Ashibel, another Facebook user, said, “In our contemporary world today, God has a way of answering the powerless and the oppressed.

“Perhaps this is the right time for the oppressed and powerless people of Nigeria to be heard. May God help us.”

On Thread, a Doris Beckman wrote, “God bless Trump…let him come into Nigeria and save us, They are wiping our generation from existing (sic).”


More reactions

Meanwhile, a TikTok user, with the username onlinebanker, rejected the deployment of US troops to Nigeria, instead calling for diplomatic measures that would force the Nigerian government into action.

“No guns, no arrows, no bombs, simply a dialogue. If this happens, it affects the possibility of an election in 2027. It will change our whole political calendar,” he said.

Another user, identified as Austin Mona, said, “The Nigerian government can solve the problem. The idea is to pressure the Nigerian government to get the problem solved.”

Another user, Mr Franklin, said, “The US never helps any country achieve anything good. We are a mess as a country, but we certainly do not need their help.”

But Samson TK rejects this notion, stating that foreign intervention is due in Nigeria.

“We have literally put money and finance over human lives. We are so blinded by these things that they are just numbers to us. Because it hasn’t gotten to our doors doesn’t mean this isn’t a lot of people’s reality,” he said.

A Thread user, Chinedum Ifechukwu, insists that the US effort is a camouflage to start a war in the country.

However, security experts and analysts have warned that a US incursion into Nigeria would likely destabilise the country even further.

Malik Samuel, a conflict researcher with Good Governance Africa (GGA), further pointed out that the failure of the Nigerian government to address the country’s security challenges gave room for the US to peddle genocide allegations falsely.

In a post on X, he wrote, “It’s never been clearer, the intentions of the ‘Christian-genocide’ peddlers. I hope Nigerians pushing this narrative realise that when all is said and done, this is the only country we have.

“The biggest culprits in all of this is the Nigerian government, both past and present. The consequence of their inability to protect all lives is what we are seeing today.”

By Daily Trust


One year to the end of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term, the Nigerian leader had a one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in the White House.

Looking Buhari in the eye, the US President, who was also in his first term, had asked, “Why are you killing Christians in Nigeria?”.

Buhari, who was obviously taken unaware by the strange question, maintained his composure.

He allowed his host, who also dabbled into other issues, complete his thought before explaining that the long-running clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria were driven by cultural and environmental factors, not by religion or ethnicity.

Buhari also traced the free flow of arms and light weapons to the destabilisation of Libya, which the US government has admitted was poorly handled by then Obama administration.

“We recognize the strong United States support in our fight against terrorism and also appreciated very much the United States agreement to sell 12 Super Tucano A-29 warplanes and weapons to Nigeria to effectively fight terrorism.”

“To contain the spate of insurgency in Nigeria, the federal government has adopted a multi-sectorial approach involving related government agencies to address the socio-economic and political damages, while the armed forces of Nigeria assist civil authority to provide security and maintain law and order.

As part of efforts to address emergent cases of insurgency in the country, the Nigerian military adopted — the Nigerian military adopted counterterrorism insurgency approach, codenamed “Operation Safe Corridor,” to de-radicalize, rehabilitate, and reintegrate willingly surrendered Boko Haram members into the larger society.

The government is taking necessary steps to promote the peaceful coexistence of herdsmen and farmers by focusing on boosting security and enforcing legislation that will guarantee borders and farmers’ access to land.

One year into his second term, Buhari spoke about that encounter at a retreat in Aso Rock.

“When I met Trump in his office, it was just the two of us. He looked me in the face and said, ‘Why are you killing Christians?’ I wondered how anyone would react to that.

“I kept my emotion under control and told him the truth — that the problem between herders and farmers is older than me, not to talk of him,” Buhari recounted.

The former president said he made it clear that the conflict stemmed from the traditional movement of cattle rearers, population growth, and the effects of climate change, not religious hostility.

“With climate change and population growth, herders follow the routes to water points regardless of whose farm it is. It’s a cultural problem, not a religious one,” Buhari said.

Buhari told his audience that he further explained to Trump how earlier Nigerian leaders had established gazetted grazing routes to prevent such conflicts, but later administrations allowed encroachment on the routes, worsening the crisis.

“The First Republic leaders were the most responsible we ever had,” he said. “They used limited resources to create earth dams and windmills for grazing areas. Any herder who allowed his cattle to destroy farms was taken before a court and made to pay compensation. But subsequent leaders encroached on those routes.”

The former president said his explanation helped to correct the perception that violence in Nigeria’s rural areas was targeted at any particular religious group.

“I believe I was about the only African among the less developed countries invited. So, I tried to make him understand that the crisis in Nigeria has historical roots, not religious motives,”he said.

Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023, was among the few African leaders invited to the White House by Trump during his administration.

By Toby Moses


The former Chief of Defence Staff and the two other service chiefs, who were retired from Service by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, will each go home with one bulletproof SUV and one Prado Jeep, or an equivalent vehicle as a backup.

These vehicles are to be maintained by the respective Services and replaced every four years.

According to the new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — a copy of which was obtained by Sunday LEADERSHIP — the retired officers will also receive $20,000 per year for medical expenses.

The document, marked ‘Restricted’, also outlines the benefits due to retired generals and other senior officers of the Armed Forces upon leaving service.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday removed the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by Sunday Dare, the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, said the action was taken to further the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

Those sacked alongside General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Each of the service chiefs is also entitled to five domestic workers, one security officer, nine standard guards, three service drivers, firearms, and other benefits.

Part of the document reads:

“The following benefits shall be the entitlements of the CDS and Service Chiefs: one bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle, to be maintained by the Service and replaced every four years; one Prado Jeep or equivalent backup vehicle; retention of all military uniforms and accoutrements to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (2 x Service cooks, 2 x stewards, and 1 x civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/Security Officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalent) or one personal assistant (WO or equivalent); standard guard (9 soldiers); three Service drivers; one Service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/formations as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (to be retrieved by the relevant Service upon the officer’s demise); and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

According to the document, Lieutenant-Generals and equivalents are entitled to the following: one Toyota Hilux vehicle and one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent Jeep of the same value; two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, one Service orderly, two Service drivers, and free medical care in Nigeria and abroad up to the value of $20,000 per year.

Furthermore, retiring Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, or their equivalents will be entitled to: one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicle, one cook, one steward, two residential guards, one Service orderly, one Service driver, and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad up to $15,000 per annum.

Similarly, officers of one-star rank are to enjoy the following: one Toyota Camry or equivalent vehicle, one Service driver, two residential guards, one Service orderly, and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad up to $10,000 per annum.


Federal Government to Spend More on Other Retiring Generals

Yesterday’s retirement of the service chiefs is expected to trigger voluntary and forced retirements within the military hierarchy, as some senior generals who are contemporaries of the outgoing service chiefs may have to proceed on retirement in line with military tradition.

The new service chiefs, who are members of Course 40 and 41 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, replace their predecessors from Course 39, including the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

By this appointment, generals from Courses 39, 40, and some from Course 41 across the Services will have to retire, as they are not expected to salute their juniors who have now been elevated above them.

LEADERSHIP Weekend earlier reported that members of Course 39 remain in active service, occupying strategic positions such as Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Service Headquarters and Commanders of tri-Service institutions.

Military sources, who initially said more than 50 such generals would have to voluntarily exit the Service to allow the new Service Chiefs to exercise effective control, now say the number could exceed that, since the new Chief of Army Staff is from Course 41.

“We will have more than 60 generals retiring. The new Army Chief is from Course 41. Those in service from Course 39 and even some from 41 will want to retire,” the source said.

With the retirement packages outlined above, the Federal Government will have to provide substantial funds to settle the retirees.


Senate May Confirm Nominations This Week

The Senate joint committee on Defence, Army and Navy is expected to commence the screening exercise of the newly-appointed service chiefs.

It is believed that the president would have written to the Senate at the weekend to intimate its leadership about the fresh appointments.

Their screening is expected to be done behind closed doors.

Expectedly, the nominees are expected to promise to tackle insecurity in the country.


Service Chiefs’ Change Strategic for Tinubu – Obono-Obla

Meanwhile, a former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has described President Tinubu’s reshuffle of service chiefs as a strategic realignment aimed at entrenching deeper reforms as he moves towards completing his first four-year term.

The former special aassistant to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution added that the change demonstrates a canny mastery of the push and pull of the country’s centripetal and centrifugal forces.

Obono-Obla told LEADERSHIP Sunday that: “It reflects how he (Tinubu) has been able to navigate and manoeuvre through the complexities of governance. After settling into office, he engaged in midterm rumination — pondering and reflecting on the imperative of assembling a new team within the Armed Forces and security apparatuses.”

Obono-Obla explained that the move signals a strategic realignment and that it is time to assess performance in the military and security sectors.

“The shake-up and introduction of a new team — reinvigorated and with a fresh lease of life — aims to ensure that the security challenges which have grappled and confronted the country are dealt with decisively, using new gusto, fresh strategies, and dynamic trajectories.

“Mr President has also subtly used this opportunity to manoeuvre through the nuances and subtleties of the country’s fault lines, which have long dogged its progress.

In doing so, he has sought to balance geopolitical sensibilities and touch all potential flashpoints where cries of political marginalisation often emerge,” he said.

By Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis


Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday said former President Muhammadu Buhari was surrounded by some sycophants during his administration.

The governor said he witnessed firsthand how politicians flattered Buhari while he was in office, only to disown him after his exit from power.

Sule spoke at the 2nd Raymond Dokpesi Diamond Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja.

“By being a governor, I have seen what sycophancy can do. I have seen people actually sit in the presence of President (Muhammadu) Buhari to tell him, ‘Oh, you are the best ever. Nobody can do this better.’

“But the minute Buhari left government, they started saying, ‘Oh, he was one of the worst presidents we had ever seen.’ These are the same people but different moments. That is what sycophancy is all about,” Sule said.

The governor, who was honoured with an NIPR award and fellowship at the event, said he admired the late media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for his courage in establishing the country’s first private radio and television stations during the military era.

Sule described it as a time when “nearly everything was controlled by government.”

“We are here to celebrate an icon of media. Dokpesi was not afraid to speak truth to power, even during difficult times,” he added.

In his remarks, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, appreciated the Nasarawa governor for gifting the institute a parcel of land to establish the first global PR varsity in the state.

Neliaku also announced that the project is presently at an advanced stage.

According to Neliaku, the new institution will serve as a “knowledge hub” for grooming ethical communicators, transformational leaders, and development-oriented thinkers — aimed at bridging the gap between policy and practice in Nigeria’s public relations landscape.

The event, held in honour of the late founder of DAAR Communications, was attended by top government officials, media professionals, and communication experts who paid glowing tributes to Dokpesi’s legacy of courage and innovation.

The police high command, on Thursday, offered explanations on why it arrested the convener of the #RevolutionNow# and former Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore.

The force spokesman said the number of those arrested in connection with the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow# Protest held in Abuja, on Monday, was now 14.

Daily Trust reports that the Human rights activist, who was arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, led the #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest.

He had fled when the police arrested other protesters.

Fielding questions from journalist, the Force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, who confirmed his arrest, said he was nabbed for violating a court order barring the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.

Hundeyin stated that those arrested earlier disclosed that it was the former presidential candidate that led them to the protest ground.

The force spokesman said Sowore would be arraigned in court immediately.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. So, if we move from fair to charge some people to court, and leave the person that led them to commit that more like their leader, the elite protester who told them and took them into the restricted area.

“And that’s why in the spirit of fair play and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Showere was arrested today. And like the others too, he wouldn’t spend time with us, he wouldn’t spend up to 24 hours with us.

“Once, we wrap up the charges, he’s going to be prosecuted. In fact, if everything goes right, our plan is to ensure that he’s prosecuted today. He goes to court today. That would be the latest on the Nnamdi Kanu protest.”

By Daily Trust

Senate president Godswill Akpabio has claimed that Nigeria’s electoral process recorded tremendous improvement after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exited power at the centre.

Akpabio, who was twice elected governor under the PDP and got into the senate under the platform of the opposition party, said this during the second reading of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill at plenary, on Wednesday.

“I’m sure that even myself and Senator Abaribe, who have been around for almost two and a half decades in these electoral matters, I know you don’t care about political party, you win elections in any party.

“You have a lot of experience, but you will agree with me that since PDP left, the elections have improved tremendously in this country.

“I recall, I’ve been close to most of the presidents since 1999, and I recall in 2007, when I won as a governor, our then president, may his soul rest in peace, President Yar’Adua, had to come out publicly to say that the election that brought him as president was totally flawed. He said it was full of inconsistencies and rigging. Since then, we have plugged the holes.”

Akpabio added that although Nigerians still experience setback, the system has improved.

“Imagine this last election, we had to go up to the Supreme Court arguing as to whether winning the Federal Capital Territory was the only reason why you should become president,” he said.

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“People were saying, No, win FCT and then you have won the presidency. So, you can lose in 36 states of the federation, but once you win FCT, you have become president. They wasted time, had panels upon panels on television, and at the end of the day, we got to the Supreme Court and back.

“Common sense could have told us that that was not the intent of the Electoral Act.”

by Chibuzo Ukaibe, Emmanuel Mgheahurike and Richard Ndoma


There is growing anxiety in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the prospects of a tenure extension for the party’s executive committees across the board.

This comes as the conduct of congresses and the national convention of the party inch towards the December deadline.

It was gathered that party stakeholders are anxious about what direction President Bola Tinubu intends to take regarding the leadership structures at all levels ahead of the 2027 election.

However, the party’s governors have assured that there is no cause for concern, as party leaders will deliberate on the issue at the right time.

The chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, told LEADERSHIP through his media aide that the APC functions as a united family and will protect the interests and aspirations of Nigerians at the state and national levels.

Meanwhile, the APC national spokesman, Felix Morka, did not respond to inquiries by LEADERSHIP on the matter as of press time.

Recall that the APC conducted its last ward, local government, and state congresses in 2021, while its national convention, which produced Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore as national chairman and national secretary respectively, was held in March 2022.

However, indications have emerged that the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC), alongside those of the state, local government, and ward executives, may be extended beyond the 2027 general elections.

This is in spite of a recent declaration by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) that it will soon release the timetable for the party’s congresses across the country.

A top party source hinted that the extension move is being considered to avert internal disputes and litigation that could destabilise the party ahead of next year’s primaries.

But the proposed tenure elongation is said to be unsettling some APC governors, particularly those who inherited existing party structures from their predecessors.

It was learnt that they fear the arrangement could strengthen the hold of executives loyal to rival factions and complicate their efforts to control delegate selections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It was learnt that one of the options being weighed is to retain the current executives through a motion at the forthcoming convention.

The source, however, noted that the party leadership awaits the position of President Tinubu.

“You know all pressures have always been on us at the NWC level, and it does appear that most of the pressure to take total control of the structures across the board has always been coming from the state governors.

“It is more so because we know who we have as president; he is a politically active and strategic man who believes that planning ahead means a lot in politics.

“However, he has been silent about whether or not there would be congresses.

“So far, it seems the president’s body language tilts towards retaining the existing structures; it seems doubtful that there will be elective congresses and a national convention across the board except for a few exceptions,” the source said.

The source added that the plan may include moving a motion during the convention to retain all executives from the national to the ward level until after the 2027 elections.

The source further added that the decision is largely informed by lessons from the 2019 general elections, when internal crises emanating from congresses led to the loss of Zamfara State and the exclusion of APC candidates from the Rivers State ballot.

“The President is aware that some aggrieved former APC leaders, now in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), still have loyalists within the fold who could instigate crises if congresses are held,” the source disclosed.

It will be recalled that at its last National Executive Committee meeting in July, the APC extended the tenure of its Ward, Local Government, and State Executive Committees across Nigeria until 31 December 2025.

This key resolution was taken at the high-powered meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, national officers, and lawmakers in attendance.

The extension, according to party insiders, aims to ensure stability at the grassroots level and allow the party sufficient time to restructure and reconcile internal factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It will be recalled that after the 2023 general election, Adamu and Omisore resigned as national chairman and national secretary respectively, paving the way for former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Senator Ajibola Bashiru to take their positions.

Two years later, Ganduje resigned his position on health grounds. On 24 July 2025, former Plateau State governorship candidate, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, was picked as Ganduje’s replacement and adopted by the party’s NEC.

The ruling party has witnessed relative stability since the 2022 convention, a departure from the tension-ridden 2018 congresses that contributed to the APC’s electoral setbacks in Zamfara and Rivers States during the 2019 polls.


“We’ll deliberate on the tenure issue at the appropriate time” – Uzodimma

However, Imo State governor, Uzodimma, said the APC operates as a united family which aims to protect the interests and aspirations of Nigerians at the state and national levels.

He submitted that the tenure of the incumbent party executives will be deliberated by the party leadership.

Uzodimma spoke to LEADERSHIP through his chief press secretary, Hon. Oguwuike Nwachuku, saying that at the appropriate time, party leaders will meet and deliberate on the best way forward regarding the tenure of the present executives of the party.

“As a responsible and responsive party, we believe in mutual dialogue; this issue will be deliberated on appropriately. Be rest assured, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it,” he said.


APC Commences Constitutional Amendment Process

Meanwhile, the APC has commenced a nationwide constitutional review process in Calabar, Cross River State, focusing on promoting inclusivity, equity, and justice within the party.

The public hearing, which marks the beginning of the review exercise for the South-South geopolitical zone, was attended by key party leaders in Calabar yesterday.

Speaking at the constitutional review, the APC national vice chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, stated that the review is in line with President Tinubu’s directive to make the party more responsive to modern realities.

Giadom emphasised that the party’s constitution is the cornerstone of its internal democracy and collective values.

The Cross River APC chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, stated that the review process was initiated by President Tinubu, who emphasised the need for inclusivity and tasked the National Working Committee to commence the amendment process.

Eba lauded Governor Bassey Otu for providing logistical support for the public hearing.

Representing the Cross River State Governor, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, described the exercise as a significant step towards building a stronger, more people-oriented APC.

He lauded President Tinubu for repositioning Nigeria and thanked party stakeholders for their unity and commitment.

The public hearing featured the adoption of memoranda from across the South-South, which will be transmitted to the national committee for consideration before final ratification at the national convention.

In her remarks, Cross River State special leader, Dr Juliana Diwa, canvassed for the immediate activation of deputy positions for persons with disabilities at all levels of the party’s organs (national, zonal, state, local government, and ward levels).

Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote Group, says Dangote Petroleum Refinery plans to sell 5 percent to 10 percent of its stake on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited within the next year.

Speaking in an interview with S&P Global on October 20, Dangote said the move will mirror the approach adopted for Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery.

“We don’t want to keep more than 65%-70%,” Dangote said.

He added that the shares would be offered gradually, depending on investor appetite and market depth.

The billionaire also said the group is considering strategic partnerships with Middle Eastern companies to support the refinery’s expansion and the development of a new petrochemicals project in China.

“Our business concept is going to change. Now instead of being 100 percent Dangote-owned, we’ll have other partners,” he said.

Dangote said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited could increase its stake in the refinery after reducing its interest to 7.2 percent, but not until the next phase of the project’s growth is fully underway.

“I want to demonstrate what this refinery can do, then we can sit down and talk,” the group president said.

Also, the refinery announced plans to increase its output to 1.4 million barrel per day (bpd), a scale that would surpass the world’s largest 1.36 million bpd refinery in Jamnagar, India.

“In July, Dangote unveiled plans to expand the refinery from its current 650,000 bpd to 700,000 bpd by the end of the year,” S&P Global said.

“Now, the target is to reach 1.4 mbpd, with no specified date, a scale that would surpass the world’s largest 1.36 mbpd refinery in Jamnagar, India.”

Furthermore, Dangote said the company is also developing linear alkylbenzene and base oils projects and aims to increase polypropylene production from 1 million metric tonnes to 1.5 million metric tonnes annually in the coming years.

Speaking on the refinery’s residue fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC) maintenance plans, Dangote acknowledged that while most of the technical issues had been resolved, a few still lingered.

“We have resolved most, not all, but most of the problems. And I think we’re looking for a window when we shut down for another month,” the industrialist said.

He added that the planned turnaround would be carefully scheduled to avoid clashing with the year-end surge in fuel demand.


‘COMPANY’S REORGANISATION ALMOST COMPLETE’

Commenting on the dismissal of 800 staff members, Dangote said the refinery’s reorganisation was nearly complete and had helped ease recent tensions with labour unions.

“We don’t have any worries with the unions,” he added.

The group president also said production from the company’s upstream assets in the Niger Delta — oil mining leases (OML) 71 and 72 — is expected to begin this month, with output projected to reach up to 40,000 barrels per day.

The businessman added that while the group remains open to new upstream opportunities, the focus for now is on consolidating ongoing projects.

By Dayo Oyewo


A director with the Lagos State Government, Serifat Talabi, died four days before her retirement from civil service and at her 60th birthday party.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Tuesday that the woman was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver on Saturday.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened when Talabi was crossing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the Redemption Camp in Ogun State.

A source in the state civil service, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised, told our correspondent on Tuesday that Talabi was the Director of Procurement at the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency.

“She was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver while trying to cross the expressway around the Redemption Camp. Efforts were made to take her to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead,” the source disclosed.

Another source in the agency disclosed that Talabi was supposed to retire on Monday, October 13, but the retirement event was postponed to Wednesday, October 22, to allow the agency’s General Manager to attend.

The source added that she had printed a card inviting her co-workers, relatives, and friends to the event, which also marked her birthday.

“She was supposed to retire on October 13, but because the General Manager was not around, she then shifted the date to October 22 so he could attend. Invitations had already been printed and sent to colleagues, friends, and family before the unfortunate incident.”

An invitation card sighted by PUNCH Metro indicated that the event was billed to hold at the NERDC Conference Centre, NERDC Road, Ikeja, adjacent to the Fela Shrine.

Meanwhile, The Eagle Online reports that Talabi’s burial arrangements have been announced by her family.

According to information gleaned from a WhatsApp group by the news platform, the wake will be held on October 23, 2025, with the burial service scheduled for October 24, 2025.

Both events will take place at 10, Ore-Ofe Street, Ara Hall Bus Stop, Ibafo, Ogun State.

The spokesperson for LASSRA, Basirat Lawal, did not respond to calls made to her telephone line on Tuesday. A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

Similar efforts to reach the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, were futile as she did not pick up calls made to her telephone line. She had yet to reply to a text message sent to her as of the time of filing this report.

Talabi’s death adds to the growing list of pedestrians killed by hit-and-run drivers along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and other major highways linking Lagos and Ogun states.

PUNCH Metro reported in August that a motorcyclist and his passenger lost their lives along the Ago-Iwoye/Ilisan Expressway in the Ijebu area of Ogun State after a truck rammed into their motorcycle from behind and fled the scene.

By Hussaini Ibrahim


https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20193216/new.jpg [i]Popular TikTok content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda[/I]

A Magistrate Court has ordered two popular TikTok content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to formalise their relationship through marriage within 60 days.

The directive, handed down on Monday by Magistrate Halima Wali, followed a series of viral videos in which the duo were seen engaging in romantic displays considered “indecent” by the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board.

The court’s decision, which many described as both unconventional and controversial, instructs the Kano State Hisbah Board to facilitate the marriage process between the two social media personalities.

Magistrate Wali, while delivering her ruling, warned that failure to conduct the marriage within the stipulated period would amount to contempt of court.

She further directed the chairman of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to supervise the implementation of the marriage order.

https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20192916/nn.jpeg-193x300.jpg

The ruling came weeks after the two influencers were arraigned over allegations of producing and sharing obscene content online.

The videos, which trended widely on TikTok and other social media platforms, reportedly featured affectionate scenes between Mai Wushirya and Yar Guda, content the Censorship Board said violated the moral and religious codes guiding public conduct in the state.

Officials of the board maintained that the clips breached provisions of Kano State’s censorship laws, which prohibit the creation and dissemination of sexually suggestive or explicit material.

“Such behaviour undermines the values we stand for and sets a dangerous example for the youth,” an official of the board told PUNCH.

Mai Wushirya had earlier been remanded in a correctional centre after investigators accused him of promoting immoral behaviour through his skits. His co-creator, Yar Guda, was also questioned by the board’s enforcement team before the matter was transferred to court.

The development has triggered mixed reactions among Kano residents. While some praised the court’s ruling as a moral corrective measure consistent with the state’s Islamic values, others argued that it infringes on personal freedom and sets a worrying precedent.

A resident of Kofar Nassarawa, Aliyu Salisu, told PUNCH that the court’s directive was “a wise decision” that would discourage indecency among youths. “Our religion encourages modesty. If they have gone this far publicly, it is only right they are joined in marriage,” he said.

However, another resident, Zainab Ahmed of Hotoro, disagreed, describing the ruling as “an overreach of authority.

“The government can caution them or penalise them, but forcing marriage is not the solution. Morality should not come through compulsion.” She said,

Neither Mai Wushirya nor Yar Guda has publicly reacted to the court’s order as of press time.

The case has once again reignited debates over how far the state should go in policing social behaviour and online expression in northern Nigeria.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja


The management of the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery in Lagos yesterday responded to reports that it slashed crude oil purchase by at least 50 per cent due to incessant breakdowns of the facility, saying that the action was a planned response to rising global crude prices.

Earlier, there were reports that the facility was buying a lot less crude lately amid operational setbacks. The reports said Dangote was expected to purchase fewer than 300,000 barrels a day of crude this month, referencing tanker-tracking data and cargo allocation lists.
Comprising both local supplies and imports, the report stated that crude inflow is currently down by more than 50 per cent from a peak in July, and less than half the plant’s capacity, expressing skepticism that the refinery can operate at a high rate going into 2026.

It said the plant’s residue fluid catalytic cracker unit was due to restart this week after a hiatus stretching back to late August, according to IIR, which monitors outages, insisting that major work remains to be completed on the petrol-making unit. Besides, the IIR report said it could shut down again in January.

However, Vice President of Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, speaking on the matter when he took the King of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, Bubaraye Dakolo, as well as select Nigerians on a tour of the facility, stressed that nothing could be further from the truth.

Besides, Edwin stated that the refinery was adjusting crude purchases based on price fluctuations and inventory levels, but maintained that no facility of that magnitude operates at 100 per cent capacity every time.
“No factory runs at 100 per cent every day without issues. What matters is whether any problem affects final production,” he said, explaining that the facility is designed for turnaround maintenance every five years, unlike older facilities that require more frequent shutdowns.

In the same vein, Edwin explained the recent massive reorganisation in the $20 billion refinery, revealing that at least 22 incidents of sabotage had been recorded since the refinery began production, prompting major staff rejigging.

He insisted that it had nothing to do with the disagreement with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Last month, the Dangote refinery confirmed the sacking of only “a small number of workers,” without stating the actual number, but PENGASSAN claimed that over 800 employees were affected. However, the Dangote refinery said the workers were sacked to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that “have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency”.

Edwin added: “We have been under repeated attacks like some people have pointed out earlier. Originally, the refinery, they said it would not even come up. Then they said it will not be commissioned and start production.

“We went through all those phases. Then they said, okay, we have an issue with PENGASSAN, which is totally false news. Because when we went and had a meeting in Abuja with the ministers and the security agencies, I repeatedly emphasised that we have no issue with PENGASSAN.

“The reorganisation we did had nothing to do with PENGASSAN. We started facing incidents of sabotage. We have 22 incidences of sabotage. I have the dates, the unit where it was done, and when it was done. All are documented data. Because you went to the master control room, you know that all the data is completely captured.”

Speaking on why the alleged plans to sabotage the refinery did not succeed, Edwin said that this is because the facility operates a modern system, reducing the impact of any breach on the facility’s equipment.

He added: “And in the same way, they were trying to bring down the equipment. Somebody will open a valve to try to see if it will break down. Fortunately for us, by the grace of God, it’s a very ultra-modern refinery.

“So when somebody starts a fire somewhere, the fire protection system is so that it is immediately controlled. The same way, when they try to break down an instrument by opening a valve or adjusting some instruments, some other instrument overrules it and stops. But it is documented.”

The top Dangote Group official noted that after an investigation, the company decided to reorganise the staffing at the refinery to eliminate such incidents.

“So we started looking at it, and then we were a bit concerned that somebody can just bring it down and a lot of investment has gone in. That is why we did this massive reorganisation. It has nothing to do with PENGASSAN and I repeatedly emphasised that even the dates or planning, everything were different,” he added.

by Nafisat Abdulrahman


Against the backdrop of fear of possible return to power by the Nigerian military, human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has said that the fear of public protests has always kept the Nigerian military under control and deter them from seizing power.

Speaking on the MIC On Podcast on Saturday, Sowore declared his opposition to military rule, stressing that he would never support or participate in any protest that could pave the way for the military to return to power.

“I am opposed to military rule. I will never partake in a protest that allows the military to come to power in this country,” Sowore said.

He, however, criticised what he described as the “excesses of civilians” currently in government, accusing them of mismanaging the nation’s economy and democratic rights under the guise of preventing military intervention.

“But I also do not overlook the excesses of civilians who are here, those mismanaging their rights, the economy, their dignity, just because somebody says, ‘Oh, if you do that, the military will take over power,’” he stated.

According to him, coups in Nigeria’s history were never triggered by civilian protests but by deliberate plans and executions within the military.

“All the times the military has taken over power in Nigeria, it wasn’t because of protests; it was because they planned it and executed it,” Sowore explained.

“In fact, it is the fear of protest that has driven the military out of power. It is the fear of protest that has always kept the military under control—or when they are confronted with protest,” he added.

Recall that Sowore had begun mobilisation for what he described as a peaceful protest against the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), slated for October 20.

Layal Jade Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has revealed that she met her husband through Facebook.

Layal made the revelation in a video broadcast marking Seyi’s 40th birthday.

According to her, what attracted her to Seyi was his confident yet easy-going nature.

“We met on Facebook. I wouldn’t really say there was a pickup line per se. But it was more of how he carried himself that drew me to him. He was confident yet easy-going. And he has this opulent charm like he didn’t really need to try,” she said.

Layal, a Nigerian-Lebanese lawyer and entrepreneur, married Seyi Tinubu in 2016. The couple is blessed with children.

by Hafsat Bello Bahara


A suspected phone thief has stolen the mobile phone of the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Barrister Sule Shu’aibu (SAN).

The incident reportedly occurred during a security-related event in Kaduna on Thursday.

Reports indicated that the theft happened at public gathering, raising questions about how the suspect was able to commit the act in a venue with tight security presence.

As at the time of filing this report, the identity of the suspect has also not been established. Meanwhile, Kaduna State authorities were yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

By Ogaga Ariemu


Dangote Refinery’s retail price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, known as petrol, has risen to N950 per litre at MRS filling stations in Abuja.

This increase comes despite the refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, the nationwide Compressed Natural Gas, CNG truck distribution scheme, and the Naira for Crude initiative between the oil firm and the Nigerian government.

As of Tuesday, 14th October 2025, MRS filling stations in Abuja, owned by Aliko Dangote’s half-brother, Sayyu Dantata, dispensed petrol at N851 per litre at outlets in Kubwa and along the Lugbe Expressway.

However, on Wednesday, DAILY POST correspondents gathered that fuel prices at MRS filling stations had surged by N100 to N950 per litre.

The same price increase applies to other Dangote Refinery retail partners such as Ardova and Optima.

A manager at MRS, who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of anonymity, said the refinery’s wholesale price to marketers had risen in the last two days due to supply shortages.

“We had no choice. The N950 per litre we currently dispense is only slightly above the amount Dangote Refinery now charges us. It is no longer N850 per litre. The price has also gone up in Lagos and other cities,” the source said.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST reports that Dangote Refinery has yet to comment on the nationwide petrol price hike.

Recall that Dangote Refinery had previously assured Nigerians that its fuel distribution scheme would reduce pump prices; however, the recent development shows the reverse, as consumers now pay more for petrol.

Experts in the oil sector told DAILY POST that the refinery had halted gantry petrol loading in recent days, prioritising its last-mile distribution scheme due to a production shortfall.

The development comes weeks after the federal government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, renewed its Naira for Crude deal with the refinery.

Barely two days ago, NNPCL and other major filling stations also raised petrol prices to N955 per litre, up from between N905 and N920 in Abuja and its environs.

This was reportedly due to supply disruptions from Dangote Refinery, which led depot owners, including Ranoil, Matrix, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa, to increase their ex-depot prices to between N885 and N897 per litre in Lagos and Warri as of Tuesday.

Consequently, Nigerians now buy petrol across retail outlets nationwide for between N950 and N990 per litre, depending on location.

by Nafisat Abdulrahman


Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed that he turned down an offer of appointment from President Bola Tinubu, citing a desire to focus on his personal life after decades in active politics.

Fayose made the revelation on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s current affairs programme ‘Politics Today’.

The former governor, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said although he maintains a long-standing personal relationship with President Tinubu, he has no intention of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or taking up any political role under its government.

“Have you seen me taking appointments from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir,’” Fayose stated.

“At 65, I’d rather be at home, being more responsible, doing other things that I need to do. I’ve served well, two-time governor, I’ve done well. Tomorrow will hold itself.”

Fayose stressed that his relationship with Tinubu predates party politics and is rooted in mutual respect rather than political alignment.

“I’ve not been with APC, but I’ve been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he added.

Turning to the 2027 general election, the former governor assessed the current state of opposition politics, declaring that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the only opposition figure with significant national traction capable of challenging the ruling APC.

“Tell me who would defeat APC? The only opposition that I know of in Nigeria, I am not saying that he will win Asiwaju, but the only person that has traction is Obi,” Fayose said.

“Despite not being in government, he is the only one talking and everywhere. I give it to him.”

Fayose further explained that his political decisions are guided by personal conviction and principle, not by the lure of political appointments or material gain.

He, however, declined to affirm whether Obi stands as a more formidable opposition figure than former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi, maintaining that his focus remained on playing a constructive role outside partisan appointments.

By : David Meshioye


The Kebbi State Government has partnered with Gsafety, a China-based security firm, to combat banditry and the Lakurawa gangs.

Ahmed Sale Jnr, head of the firm, confirmed the latest development during a briefing on Wednesday.

According to him, Gsafety, which operates in 36 countries, specialises in advanced intelligence and digital surveillance to address security threats.

“We will deploy high technology through the collation of vital data as it affects the activities of armed bandits and Lakurawa,” Sale stated.

The firm will work alongside local and ward-level security forces in affected areas to enhance federal efforts through technological integration.

He noted that while progress has been made to curb insecurity, the lack of advanced technology has hindered these efforts.

“This is what we have come to provide in Kebbi State, the same way we have done in other countries. Our headquarters is in Beijing, China,” he said.

By Solomon Odeniyi


The Presidential Boeing 737-700 Business Jet, listed for sale by the Nigerian government in July 2025, remains unsold nearly four months after it was uploaded on an international aircraft sales platform.

This was confirmed through email exchanges between our correspondent and the marketing firm handling the listing, JetHQ, based in the United States.

In response to an inquiry, the company’s Market Research Assistant, Marinell Nuevo, confirmed that the aircraft “remains available.”

However, she referred further correspondence to the firm’s Market Research Manager, Ms Laurie Barringer, who declined to provide additional information on the sale.

“We do not provide this kind of information to anyone but the direct owner of the aircraft. This is considered proprietary information. I hope you can understand. The only data that we can provide you is that the aircraft remains available for sale,” Barringer stated in her reply.

A follow-up message demanding accountability, stating that the jet was bought and maintained with taxpayers’ money, has yet to be responded to as of press time.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 Business Jet, is being managed by AMAC Aerospace, a Switzerland-based company specialising in maintenance and aircraft sales.

According to details on the listing, the aircraft has undergone partial refurbishment and multiple inspections at AMAC’s Basel facility in July 2024 — including full refurbishment of the first-class seats, replacement of cabin carpets, and completion of major C1–C2 inspections.

The listing describes the aircraft as “one owner since new, always hangared,” with a 33-passenger configuration and eight crew members, totalling 41 seats.

According to data from aircraftcostcalculator.com, a website that provides aircraft valuation estimates, a pre-owned Boeing 737 BBJ has an average market value of $56m, depending on its specifications and maintenance history.

“Depending on numerous factors, the average price for a pre-owned Boeing BBJ is $56,000,000. A $28,000,000 loan over 120 months, including $116,667 per month in interest, equates to a $1,404,024 per, period payment. Based on 450 annual owner – operated hours and $6 – per, GAL fuel cost, the Boeing BBJ has total variable costs of $3,900,915, total fixed costs of $1,301,481, and an annual budget of $5,202,396. This breaks down to $11,561 per hour,” it stated.

The operational cost for such a jet averages about $11,561 per flight hour, with an estimated annual ownership cost exceeding $5.2 million, including fuel, maintenance, and crew expenses.

The PUNCH had reported that the aircraft was originally purchased in 2005 for $43m under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, it has been part of the Presidential Air Fleet.

In July 2025, the President Bola Tinubu administration decided to put the aircraft up for sale as part of a broader cost-cutting and fleet rationalisation effort, amid rising public scrutiny over government expenditure and the maintenance cost of multiple presidential aircraft.

Four months later, however, the sale has not been finalised — a situation that raises questions about global market interest, pricing, and the ongoing maintenance cost of the aircraft bought and maintained with taxpayers’ money.